Obituary of William "Bill" Theodore Zaparaniuk

ZAPARANIUK, WILLIAM (BILL)
1915-2019

William (Bill) Zaparaniuk was born September 27, 1915 near Weirdale,SK. His passing was preceded by wife Marjorie in 2003 and son Robert (Bob) in 2005, sisters Ann, Nellie, and Mary and brothers Nick, John, and Mike. Bill is remembered by brother Steve from Esterhazy and sister Sophie from Lanigan, as well as several nieces and nephews. Bill is also survived by his daughter, Betty and grand-daughters Karen Boback, of whom he was especially close, and Brynn Boback-Lane (Mark) and great grand-daughters, Tess and Ella.After graduating high school, Bill worked various jobs until completion of his meat inspection certification, where after he worked for a time with Burns Meats in Prince Albert. Bill loved music, especially from his "old country" of the Ukraine. He played banjo and harmonica, and well into his '90s he would still pull out his instruments and entertain with a good polka. His real passion came in the form of entrepreneurship. He built, owned and operated the Twin Theatre in Waskesiu Lake and together with Margie operated several other businesses in PANP. His many talents included a love of construction, and he worked both for Parks Canada and as an independent contractor. Now generations later, thousands still enjoy the beauty of trails, walkways and structures that Zap had a hand in building across the back country in PANP. The restoration of Grey Owl's cabin was a significant highlight of Bill's career, as was his work on behalf of NASA in building several research weather stations. His "crews" became his lifelong friends and he loved celebrating each successful project with them."Zap", Bill, Dad, or Grandpa, whatever name you called him by, one was always welcomed on an adventurous fishing excursion, helping in the projection room, constructing the next project, playing a game of cards, listening or dancing to music, watching the Riders or just chatting - Bill simply relished in having family and friends around him. "Zap" was a real character and with over 60 years in the Waskesiu Lake area he will be remembered by his many friends and family who knew that his door was always open, that food and drink would be plentiful and without question, a strong opinion would be shared. He will be missed dearly. The family thanks the compassionate staff at Stensrud Lodge and those that visited Bill over the years. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at Saskatoon Funeral Home, 338 4th Ave N, beginning at 1.00 pm.